The 25-year-old joined the Toffees from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer of 2006 and he has grown to be recognised as one of the most assured young defenders in the top flight.

He was called up to the England B squad following a successful first campaign at Goodison Park before being promoted to the full squad and made his debut against Estonia in October 2007 - the first of his four caps to date.

Manager David Moyes described the deal to keep Lescott on Merseyside until the summer of 2012 as "terrific news".

He told the club's official website: "This is really terrific news for everyone connected with the club.

"This continues our policy of securing - on long-term deals - those players who not only represent Everton's present but also its future.

"Since joining us Joleon has more than proved his worth and the fact he is not only happy at Goodison Park but also willing to commit his future to Everton shows that we are most definitely moving in the right direction."

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